Juan Carlos Valeron is looking forward to being re-united with Atletico Madrid when Las Palmas begin their Primera campaign.
Valeron spent two years at Vicente Calderon and goes back to the capital on the opening weekend, leading the newly-promoted islanders.
“I take things as naturally and as normally as possible. If there’s a gesture of affection me, I’ll appreciate it, and if not, the same,” he said when asked about the trip in an interview with AS.
“Wearing the Atletico shirt is something not everyone can do and for me it was incredible, very special, and the club will always be in my heart.
“It’s true it was a difficult time, with relegation and the legal issues. There were a lot of problems. In the end I was sorry I couldn’t do more to avoid relegation.
“But these things happen in football. You go through bad times and you learn.
“You can’t say it’s better to play Atletico now than later in the season. You have to have the right approach and we must prepare well for the game. The team is excited because we all like to play these types of games.
“You have to have respect for Atletico, but also all the enthusiasm to play a good game.”
